AGENDA DATE: 12/3/2025
TITLE:
Schedule Public Hearing for Walnut Creek Park Appalachian Power Utility Easement
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Request the Board of Supervisors to schedule a public hearing to consider Appalachian Power’s request for an easement on a portion of the Walnut Creek property (TMP 10000-00-00-03500)
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Herrick, Tevendale, Crickenberger, Barbour
PRESENTER (S): n/a
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Appalachian Power requests an underground utility easement (Attachment A) on County-owned Parcel 10000-00-00-03500 (100-35), a portion of Walnut Creek Park, to serve a cell tower subject of a County lease approved on August 9, 2024 (Attachments B & C).
Virginia Code § 15.2-1800(B) requires a public hearing prior to disposal of County property.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure Investment: Prioritize, plan, and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs.
DISCUSSION: The proposed utility easement would allow Appalachian Power to bring electrical service to the cell tower subject of the approved lease on County Parcel 100-35.
The proposed utility easement follows a course from the existing Appalachian Power facilities on the property to the area of the cell tower. This location is removed from the park’s recreational areas and will not impact on the County’s current and future use of the property. Activation of the cell tower is anticipated to improve cell coverage for County staff and public safety at the park and in the vicinity. Based on previous utility easements conveyed to Appalachian Power, County staff determined that $1,500 was a fair and reasonable value of this proposed utility easement.
BUDGET IMPACT: If the proposed utility easement is approved, the county would realize a one-time payment of $1,500 of revenue for the utility easement.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board schedule a public hearing to consider Appalachian Power’s request for a utility easement on County Parcel 100-35.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Appalachian Power’s Request for Easement TMP 10000-00-00-03500
B - Resolution Approving Cell Tower
C - Cell Tower Lease Agreement